HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.12.04 Council MinutesCity0f
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MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, December 4, 2023
Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & GoToWebinar
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Blanche Barajas, Mayor.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Blanche Barajas, Charles Grimm, Leo Perales, Pete
Serrano, David Milne, Melissa Blasdel, and Zahra Roach
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: Adam Lincoln, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager;
Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager; Darcy Buckley, Finance Director; Kevin
Crowley, Fire Chief; Eric Ferguson, City Attorney; Jacob Gonzalez, Community &
Economic Development Director; Jesse Rice, Parks & Recreation Director; Brent
Cook, Deputy Police Chief; Steve Worley, Public Works Director; and Debby
Barham, City Clerk
Boy Scout Troop No. 159 and Cub Scout Pack No. 100 opened the meeting with
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council discussed revising the agenda order.
MOTION: Councilmember Roach moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel
to move the Miscellaneous Discussion after the Public Comments.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0
AYES: Mayor Barajas, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember
Perales, Councilmember Serrano, Councilmember Milne,
Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Roach
Page 1 of 8
OATHS OF OFFICE - COUNCILMEMBER
Municipal Court Judge Stilwill administered the Oaths of Office for Councilmember to
the following newly elected and re-elected Councilmembers with terms commencing on
January 1, 2024:
• Charles Grimm serving under Council District No. 2
• Leo Perales serving under Council District No. 3
• David Milne serving under Council District No. 5
• Peter Harpster serving under Pasco At -Large
RECESS
Mayor Barajas called a ten-minute recess at 7:09 PM for signing the Oaths of Office
and photo opportunities for newly elected and re-elected Councilmembers.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Meeting Minutes for November 20th and November 27th
To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on
November 20, 2023, and Special Meeting & Regular Workshop held on November
27, 2023.
Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of
$7,277,596.19 and Bad Debt Write-off Totaling $ 389,397.40
To approve claims in the total amount of $7,277,596.19 ($61,109,856.91 in Check
Nos. 260075 - 260382; $12,050.68 in Check Nos. 54607 - 54613; $1,155,688.60
in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30199424 - 30200081).
To approve bad debt write-off for accounts receivable, Ambulances, in the amount
of $389,397.40 and, of that amount, authorize $35,165.78 to be turned over for
collection.
Cancellation of December 11, 18, and 26 2023, Regularly Scheduled Council
Meetings
To approve the cancellation of the December 11th and 26th Council Workshop
Meetings and December 18th Council Regular Meeting.
Page 2 of 8
Arts & Culture Commission Reappointment - Aislin Maloney
To confirm Mayor Barajas' reappoint of Aislin Maloney to the Arts & Culture
Commission as its Youth Representative, Position No. 7, with a term from January
1, 2024 through January 1, 2026.
MOTION: Councilmember Blasdel moved, seconded by Councilmember Roach
to approve the Consent Agenda as read.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0
AYES: Mayor Barajas, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember
Perales, Councilmember Serrano, Councilmember Milne,
Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Roach
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Grinch, Mt. Crumpet, expressed a protest to the City of Pasco's Annual Winterfest
event scheduled for December 4th through 9th.
Leslie Maxwell, Richland resident, commented on the current war in Israel and
requested Council do what they can to stop U.S. government from sending funds to
support the war located in Israel.
Dallas Green, Pasco resident, congratulated the newly elected and re-elected
Councilmembers. He expressed concern about some of the projects in the City's budget
and provided recommendations where funding should be spent.
Nancy Roach, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for
her service on the Council.
Daven Diaz, West Richland resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach
for her service on the Council.
Sabiha Khan, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for her
service on the Council.
Virginia Thomlinson, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach
for her service on the Council.
Mike Roach, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for her
service on the Council.
Julian Jackson, Western States Counsel Carpenters Union, Local 59 Representative,
expressed appreciation to newly elected Councilmembers, as well as those
Councilmembers that are ending their terms. He expressed concern regarding the
Lewis Street Overpass project related to apprenticeship employees on site.
Page 3 of 8
Alexia Estrada, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for
her service on the Council.
Scott and Kim Lehrman, Pasco residents, congratulated the newly elected and
reelected Councilmembers. They expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for
her service on the Council.
James Carmody, Yakima resident and attorney, distributed a petition to rescind
Ordinance No. 4701 related to Water Rights fees and explained his reasoning of his
request to rescind the ordinance.
Steven Bauman, Franklin County resident, requested that Council rescind Ordinance
No. 4701 related to Water Rights fees.
Joseph Campos, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to newly elected and re-
elected Councilmembers. He expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for her
service on the Council.
Justin Kerry, Pasco resident, congratulated the newly elected and reelected
Councilmembers. He commented on the 5th and 14th amendments in Washington
State Constitution and he supported the closure of Planned Parenthood.
Holden Divner, Kennewick resident, lectured Council, recited scripture and
recommended that Council does what God wants.
Eric Weinhimer, Sunnyside resident, commented on water rights fees issue.
Maria Marvin, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for her
service on the Council.
Ana Ruiz Kennedy, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach
for her service on the Council.
Rana Deep, Richland resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for
her service on the Council. She also commented on those mothers, children, and
families located in Gaza where the Israel-Hamas war is centered.
Irving Brown, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Roach for her
service on the Council.
MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION
No discussion.
RECESS
Mayor Barajas called a five-minute recess at 8:08 PM.
Page 4 of 8
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS
Verbal Reports from Councilmembers
Mr. Perales commented on recent community events.
Mayor Barajas reported on the Tri-Cities National Park Committee meeting held
recently. She noted that the City of Pasco is one of the American Heritage Cities
and announced that there are decals that provide information on locations of all the
heritage sites in the region.
Mr. Worley reported that the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board
(TIB) awarded the City of Pasco $1.6 for Road 68 and Court Street intersection
improvements project. He also announced that the TIB granted the City an
additional $2M for the Lewis Street Overpass project.
Mr. Rice announced Winterfest events throughout the week, as well as the
upcoming annual Lampson Cable Bridge Run scheduled for Saturday, December
16th.
Ms. Roach stated that she was the one who requested that the Miscellaneous
Discussion be moved up in the agenda and should have spoken up about it after
the Public Comments period concluded. She expressed appreciation for the recent
upgrades to the Pasco Specialty Kitchen, as well as the electrical outlets at Peanuts
Park.
Mr. Perales commented on the water rights fees issue. He made a motion to to
rescind Ordinance No. 4701.
Mr. Ferguson stated that the only way to repeal an ordinance to by another
ordinance. He stated that a Councilmember would need to make a motion directing
staff to prepare a repeal ordinance.
Council discussed if and how to move forward on repealing Ordinance No. 4701 or
if additional information is needed for Council to consider before taking action of
repealing the Ordinance.
Mr. Worley provided a recap of the outreach related to topic. He stated that the
majority of developers that attending the meeting expressed an understanding for
the need to adjust the Water Rights acquisition fees to alien with the current market
rate.
Page 5 of 8
MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember
Serrano to direct staff to draft an Ordinance would repeal Ordinance No. 4701
on January 2, 2024.
RESULT: Defeated unanimously by Roll Call vote. 0-7
AYES:
NAYS: Mayor Barajas, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember
Perales, Councilmember Serrano, Councilmember Milne,
Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Roach
MOTION: Councilmember Serrano moved, seconded by Councilmember Grimm
to continue the discussion of Ordinance No. 4701 at January 8, 2024 Workshop.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0
AYES: Mayor Barajas, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember
Perales, Councilmember Serrano, Councilmember Milne,
Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Roach
HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
RELATING THERETO
Public Hearing & Ordinance No. 4702 - Right -of -Way Vacation at Wyoming
Avenue (VAC 2023-001)
Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief report related to the proposed right-of-way vacation.
Mayor Barajas declared the Public Hearing open to consider the proposed right-of-
way vacation.
Following three calls for comments, and there being none, Mayor Barajas declared
the Public Hearing closed.
MOTION: Mayor Barajas moved, seconded by Councilmember Serrano to adopt
Ordinance No. 4702, vacating a portion of North Wyoming Avenue right-of-way
in Frey's Addition to Pasco, Washington and, further, authorize publication by
summary only.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0
AYES: Mayor Barajas, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember
Perales, Councilmember Serrano, Councilmember Milne,
Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Roach
Page 6of8
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS
Resolution No. 4405 - Approval of Washington State Department of Revenue
Temporary Agreement for Tourism Promotion Area Fees Collection
Ms. Sigdel provided a brief report related to the proposed agreement for the 2024
fees collection for the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) through the Washington
Stated Department of Revenue (DOR).
Council and Ms. Sigdel continued a brief question and answer period regarding the
2024 TPA fees collection.
MOTION: Councilmember Blasdel moved, seconded by Councilmember Roach
to approve Resolution No. 4405, authorizing the City Manager to sign and
execute a temporary agreement for the state administration of Tourism
Promotion Area fees between the City of Pasco and the Washington State
Department of Revenue.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0
AYES: Mayor Barajas, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember
Perales, Councilmember Serrano, Councilmember Milne,
Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Roach
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Recommendations
for 2024
Ms. Pashon provided a brief report on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee's
(LTAC) recommendations for the distribution of lodging tax funds in 2024.
Council and staff briefly discussion the funding requests for the 2024 lodging tax
funding awards.
MOTION: Councilmember Blasdel moved, seconded by Councilmember
Serrano to approve the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendations for
the 2024 funding allocations as presented.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0
AYES: Mayor Barajas, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember
Perales, Councilmember Serrano, Councilmember Milne,
Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Roach
RECESS
Mayor Barajas called a five-minute recess at 9:25 PM.
Page 7 of 8
EXECUTIVE SESSION (20 MINUTES)
Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:30 PM for 20 minutes to discuss
Consideration of the minimum offering price for sale or lease of real estate if there's
a likelihood that disclosure would decrease the price per RCW 42.30.110(1)(c)
Factors influencing the price include location, price, and use of the property and
discussion with legal counsel about legal risks of current or proposed action per
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City
Attorney.
At 9:51 PM Mayor Barajas announced that the Executive Session would continue
for another five minutes.
Mayor Barajas called the meeting back to order at 9:58 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:58 PM.
PASSED and APPROVED this day of , 20_.
APPROVED: ATTEST: 0
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Blanche Barajas, Mayor Debra Barham, ity Clerk
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